Moving to New Zealand takes a lot of planning and Andrew Porter Limited will be with you every step of the way to make sure your move is one of the most exciting times of your life.

Our team has many years of experience in helping people to relocate to New Zealand and we have the expert knowledge necessary to ensure your move goes without a hitch.

We will assign you a dedicated move co-ordinator who will be on hand throughout your move to answer any queries you may have, provide you with details of your shipment vessel and arrival date and keep you informed regarding country-specific requirements, such as customs and immigration protocol.

New Zealand has stringent import controls, monitored by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). Your belongings are likely to be subject to a physical inspection, particularly any items which may carry traces of soil or plant matter or any items derived from plant or animal products.

Make sure you thoroughly clean your belongings before packing but be aware that some items which fall into these categories may require further treatment by MAF, for example, fumigation, which will incur a fee if you wish to keep the items.

We can advise you of any items which may potentially require inspection during your relocation to New Zealand. If you choose to leave any belongings behind, we can provide secure long-term storage in our purpose-built warehouse until you require your items again.

New Zealand applies conditions to the importation of vehicles, which you are advised to check before making arrangements for vehicle transportation.

Shipping to New Zealand can take between eight and 10 weeks for a dedicated consignment, or 11 to 16 weeks for groupage shipping, which means the space in your shipping container is shared with other people's belongings, but is a lower cost option.

If you require any particular items delivering quickly, we can arrange an air freight service.

Transporting vehicles to New Zealand

Andrew Porter Limited has many years of experience in shipping vehicles to New Zealand. We are able to provide a high quality and cost-effective service, giving you complete peace of mind.

Customs regulations apply to motor vehicles being imported into New Zealand. You must have owned your vehicle for a minimum of 12 months before shipping to New Zealand to be able to import it free of duty or tax. A Compliance Certificate is also required from the vehicle manufacturer, to confirm that it meets New Zealand standards.

All vehicles must also be steam cleaned and cleaned internally before shipping to ensure no foreign soil particles or plant matter is inadvertently brought into the country. If MAF officers are not satisfied that the car is free of debris, it will be subject to additional cleaning processes, for which a fee will be payable.

We provide containerised vehicle shipment to New Zealand. Your motor vehicle can either be secured in a dedicated container or can be packed along with your household items in a larger shipping container.

Moving pets to New Zealand

Pets are a part of the family and it is natural that you will want to take them along with you when you move to New Zealand.

Cats and dogs travelling to New Zealand from the UK do not need to be quarantined upon arrival. However, they do need to undergo medical tests and have a microchip fitted before they leave and they will be inspected for ticks when they reach New Zealand.

Rabies titre tests will need to be carried out at least six months before you can enter New Zealand.

You will also need a New Zealand import permit for your pet, which cost $220.74 no matter how many animals you wish to import.

Pets other than cats and dogs are not generally accepted into New Zealand. Certain breeds of dog are also forbidden.

If you have specific questions relating to removals to New Zealand or would like a quote, please contact our International Removals New Zealand team today on 0800 389 1222.

This information is intended as a guide only and full checks on immigration requirements and import restriction should be carried out before your move.

Andrew Porter have now launched a dedicated laboratory relocation specialist, APort Global. As part of this there is now a dedicated web site where you can get all the up to date and relevant information about our laboratory relocation services.